LIFE Fall 2013

I am so pleased that this issue of LIFE focuses on the family caregivers in our midst— those men and women who care for elderly parents, spouses or loved ones. Sometimes ignored, underappreciated and overworked, these caregivers are the ones who work so hard—often silently and alone—so that their loved ones receive the care they need. They deserve our help, attention and acknowledgment.

Caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, but it also involves many stressors: changes in the family dynamic, financial pressure, challenges in navigating a complex healthcare system and a never-ending number of additional responsibilities.

The legendary philanthropist John D. MacArthur, who died in 1978 at 80 years old, is probably remembered best as a hard-driving, self-made, extremely frugal entrepreneur who became one of the nation’s wealthiest men in post-World War II America. After his death, the $1 billion in assets from the centerpiece of his business empire—Bankers Life and Casualty Company—became the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which has provided over $5 billion in grants to over 60 countries for programs that build a more “just, verdant and peaceful world.”

A popular option many caregivers turn to is respite care. What is respite care? It is short- term care for dependent family members, in order to give the caregiver temporary relief from the stress of constant care.

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CJE SeniorLife® is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
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